Degree Overview

Students in the ESRM degree learn about natural and human-dominated landscapes and how to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. With a focus on sustainability, students work with professors and regional experts on environmental issues. Fieldwork gives students enhanced opportunities for experiential learning and service. 

Students complete the general ESRM degree or one of four ESRM degree Options: 

• ESRM degree: General 
• ESRM degree: Option in Natural Resources and Environmental Management 
• ESRM degree: Option in Restoration Ecology and Environmental Horticulture
• ESRM degree: Option in Sustainable Forest Management 
• ESRM degree: Option in Wildlife Conservation 

The only difference between the pathways are the final 45 credits of the degree. ESRM General students can choose flexible ESRM electives in the 300 and 400 levels, all of the other four options have a fixed set of ESRM courses to complete for the final 45 credits. All options are Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees. 

Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management (ESRM) vs Environmental Studies (ENVIR) 

The University of Washington offers two degrees in the environmental science area – Environmental Science (ESRM) and Environmental Studies (ENVIR). Here are a few of the differences between these two degree programs: 

• ESRM is a B.S. degree program; ENVIR is a B.A degree program 
• ESRM, in addition to ESRM classes, requires seven Calculus, Biology, and Chemistry classes; ENVIR’s course requirements in these areas are much smaller. 
• In general, ESRM focuses on environmental science as a natural science topic; ENVIR focuses on environmental science as a social science topic. 

Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly check both programs to be sure that you are choosing the one that best meets your needs. There are other undergraduate degree programs in the College of the Environment that may also be of interest. 

ESRM Undergraduate Degree Learning Objectives 

Knowledge Sets 

Students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in ESRM will understand the following: 

• Social, ecological and economic theory, concepts and processes at a variety of spatial, temporal and institutional levels. 
• Biological, physical and chemical processes. 
• Professional and environmental ethics. 
• Application of ecosystem and social concepts along the urban to wildland gradient. 
• The process of science, design and management; the process models used to describe and communicate them and their role in contemporary environmental issues. 
• Interactions among plant, animal and abiotic features of the ecosystem. 
• Business, ecological and social tradeoffs in natural resource management and use. 
• Policy in context with cultural and historical heritage. 
• The expected consequences of implementing a research, design or management plan and be able to explain them. 

Skill Sets 

Students completing the Bachelor of Science degree in ESRM will have the skills to: 

• Work in interdisciplinary teams. 
• Communicate to a diversity of audiences using written, oral and graphic methods. 
• Recognize research methods used by the social, natural and design sciences 
• Apply analytical skills, including basic measurement and monitoring skills. 
• Complete at least one of the following:
  • Devise and conduct a scientifically sound inquiry
  • Design a management plan, including plans for its implementation.